Monday, August 31, 2009

To everyone signed up for the summer, your session is NOT over! We have 2 make up classes this week: Tues Sept 1 and Thurs Sept 3!make it out to these classes as a way to end your summer with a bangFor everyone else, we'll see you in the next semester!

Watch fights! Especially Thais.I post a lot of them here, of course. The key is to watch the pace of the fight, the timing of the exchanges and other characteristics of the fight that highlight effectiveness...You should definitely watch for all the things that you have learned from your instructors.

For me, it has been weeks since I really sat down and watched an entire MT fight. However, going back and watching the very last fight I posted here (Orono and Namkabuan), it was a great refresher on how real Muaythai style exchanges are handled. I like it because its a great way to remind me of all the holes in my own performances and where to really work on.

Whether it's returning right away after being hit, proper exchanging in the clinch or really working that teep (push kick) with correct timing, make sure you are watching fights to pick up or remind yourself of the most useful tactics used in Muaythai

Lastly, try to judge a traditional Muaythai fight. See if you can pick out the winner. It's a great exercise in expanding your knowledge of the game!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

You've probably seen traditional fighters entering the ring with a whole bunch of stuff covering them. If you were wondering what they're called, and what they mean, here is a basic introduction.

Canada's World Champ Clifton Brown in full pre-fight attire

Mongkol (pronounced "Mong- kon"):

First off, the Mongkol is unique to Muay Thai, and is not used in Cambodia or Burma (which have very similar arts, such as Pradal Serey); that particular fact is from Wikipedia lol. The Mongkol is a often described as a "crown". It is a sacred (blessed by a monk) piece used to represent the gym or camp the fighter represents. In the past, each camp had their own distinct Mongkols, but now gyms often have more than one. Fighters do not touch it; It is placed (before the fight) and removed (after the Ram Muay) by their Kru Muay.

Prajied:

These arm bands worn around the bicep are meant to protect the fighter from harm. They are worn throughout the whole fight. They are given to the fighter by friend, family etc

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Thought I would post up a female fight. I actually have trouble finding clips of women's muay thai of good-quality. Admittedly, I don't know alot of female fighters outside of the ones Kru has sent my way to watch...hopefully that'll change and I can post up some more strong female fighters

Samkor was one bad mother shut-your-mouth in his prime. A famous Southpaw who could win fights with left leg alone, he also had some great elbows. Watch the highlight video...he just moves guys with that one kick.

However as of late, Samkor's been facing younger guys...and he's not exactly in tip top shape like he used to be. He's had mixed results

Samkor's very close win over the younger Contender Asia star, David Paquette

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Not long ago, PooChoi Kru Mikey from our friends of Southside Muay Thai asked me who my favourite fighter is. I didn't have an answer at the time, merely replying, "there are too many".

Reflecting on it a bit, the answer right now would have to be Namkabuan. Namkabuan was a very versatile and intelligent fighter, who could fight with both craftiness and aggression.

They called him the Ring Genius. I like that he was able to power through an dominate some opponents, and then use his movement and timing to counter when facing stronger ones.

Namkabuan eventually left the ring after a scandal...something about him being suspected of throwing a fight. I do not know the details, but it makes me appreciate all the fights I have found with him in them.

In this particular video, he's fighting Therdkiat, who was also renowned for his versatility.

Therdkiat demonstrates why he was called the Tactician in this fight, and dishes out some great elbow techniques. I have not seen many of Therdkiat's fights, but I may have to go look for some more after seeing the kind of fight he gave Namkabuan.

*grammar freaks: I realized that when I went back to edit what I've written, I screwed up the tenses. I'm too lazy to fix it now*

Thursday, August 6, 2009

For some reason, somebody thought it appropriate to put bonafide Muay Thai champ Anuwat Kaewsamrit into an amateur Wushu tournament (First Asian Martial Arts Games). To the organizers of this event...SERIOUSLY? It may not be Muay Thai but Anuwat's a world class scary ass striker none the less.

To be quite honest, unless he starts giving up ridiculous amounts of weight, I think Saenchai will probably walk through most of his overseas opponents until he really starts getting too "over the hill" for fighting.

If you have never heard of Saenchai, go look him up! I posted a video or two of him on the blog too

Monday, August 3, 2009

Sangtiennoi Sor. Rungrot was one of the most famous fighters of his time. He was known as the "Deadly Kisser" for..um, kissing his opponents. Yeah...

He's gone on to fight past his prime against much younger opponents, and eventually moved on to training great fighters like Samkor and John Wayne Parr

To be honest, as a fan, I'm not incredibly impressed by Sangtiennoi compared to the other fighters of his era. I'm sure a lot of Muay Thai enthusiasts will crap on me for saying that. However, he is still one of the greatest, with precise strikes and a methodical fighting style.